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This is a well-thought out proposal that could generate major economic benefits to the U.S. mainland while contributing to the economic transformation of Puerto Rico. The tax cuts for the rich proposed by the Trump administration would significantly exceed the investment in power generation and distribution required for Puerto Rico. Such an investment could be structured to buyout U.S. government investment as the island's economy recovers possibly through sale of shares to people in Puerto Rico. Investments like this have a large large multiple in their impact on future economic growth.The increasing numbers and severity of natural disasters call for innovative solutions because there may not be enough revenue to pay for effective response through conventional government programs. A technical solution that would benefit from global collaboration would be to field space-based solar power systems that could deliver large amounts of electrical power to any point on Earth on short notice. Such systems have been discussed since Peter Glaser first proposed the concept in the early 1970s. Technology has progressed to where the projected cost of placing power generators in Earth orbit decreases significantly every year. Such a system could benefit not only Puerto Rico but any disaster zone. Consider the positive value of being able to provide the people of Japan power within a few days to meet a significant share of generating capacity lost due to a natural disaster. Such power would be more costly than longer term solutions, but costs of disaster response are not expected to compete with longer term solutions but to save lives and the fabric of a community.

Today, September 30, 2017, the whole world knows in glaring terms exactly what any "Republican" thinks about Puerto Rico. If there is going to be any sincere attempts to "rebuild and update essential national infrastructure" on any US lands, including any US territories, here is a first action to "quit-kicking-everyone-else-down". As of October 1, 2017, any and all US federal and state officials, supported by US taxpayers, need to eliminate any personal travel out of the US and within the US. All US elected officials owe US citizens, the taxpayers for any entitlements at the tolerance of US taxpayers. All US and state officials need to use ONLY the "internet"/ online visual communication from their office for any public and especially private contacts to represent the American public. That should drastically limit the ability of public officials to be allowed to conduct themselves in "TOTAL DISREGARD" of the rest of the American citizens. Public officials can eat any meal, that they bring into the building, at their desks. They do not need to attend any banquets. They do not need to travel to any foreign countries, with an entourage at their behest. They need to feel a sense of responsibility to American citizens, especially those that have just suffered total destruction of their own shelters, have limited access to water, and toilet facilities. And no, public officials should not just turn around and play another round of golf on a manicured golf course, while gloating at the suffering of other American citizens. And, no public official should bully other citizens publicly or privately. In 2017, there is absolutely no need for any public official to attend any out-of-office function and expect any US taxpayer to pay the bill for the public official. In 2017, any official business can easily be accomplished by using the internet. "Communicate from a desk with anyone worldwide". If any public official so desires to conduct any activities outside of the official public building, then that public official can do so at his/her own expense. All budgets for travel, entertainment, special security services, family and friends accompaniment can easily be eliminated. USE THE INTERNET for all contacts from assigned offices in Federal, State or local government facilities. With the cost savings there will be immediate funds for "infrastructure" for Puerto Rico and the United States. Politicians quit parading around. Politicians quit expecting that the US taxpayers are going to keep paying your bills for doing nothing except partying!

I suppose it is tacky to point out nobody is going to invest in Puerto Rico's power system its called throwing good money after bad. No one invests KNOWING they won't be paid back. And Puerto Rico's financial management skills argue there is No chance earning out much less showing a profit.